Tether assembly for a security device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a tether assembly for securing an item of merchandise. In one example, the tether assembly includes a tether configured to be secured to an item of merchandise and a housing configured to receive the tether. The tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing. The tether assembly also includes a motor coupled to the tether that is configured to extend and/or retract the tether relative to the housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/858,822 filed on Jul. 26, 2013, and United States Provisional Application No. 61/858,958 filed on Jul. 26, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to tether assemblies for displaying and protecting items of merchandise, such as consumer electronics products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common practice for retailers to provide demonstration models of consumer electronics products, such as handheld devices, tablets, and laptop computers, so that a potential purchaser may examine the product more closely and test the operation of its features. A working demonstration model, however, increases the possibility that the demonstration model will be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. As a result, demonstration models of consumer electronics products are typically protected by a security device that permits a potential purchaser to examine and operate the product, while reducing the likelihood that the demonstration model will be stolen or removed from the display area.

Various tethering mechanisms have been developed for securing an item of merchandise to a display. However, such mechanisms typically require complex reel components and do not provide the potential customer with a desirable user experience.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a reliable and effective tether assembly and security system for protecting items of merchandise, while permitting a potential purchaser to examine and operate a demonstration model of the item.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a tether assembly for securing an item of merchandise from theft. The tether assembly includes a tether configured to be secured to an item of merchandise and a housing configured to receive the tether. The tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing. The tether assembly also includes at least one motor coupled to the tether and configured to extend and/or retract the tether relative to the housing.

According to some aspects, the tether assembly further includes at least one rotatable element operably engaged with the motor and configured to engage the tether during extension and/or retraction of the tether. The at least one rotatable element may be a wheel or a gear. The motor may be configured to rotate the at least one rotatable element for extending and/or retracting the tether. In other aspects, the at least one rotatable element is spring-loaded such that the rotatable element is biased into engagement with the tether. The at least one rotatable element may be configured to rotate and to move relative to the housing during extension and/or retraction of the tether. The at least one rotatable element may be configured to move in a lateral direction relative to the housing. In one example, a plurality of rotatable elements are provided, and each rotatable element is configured to engage the tether during extension and/or retraction of the tether.

In another aspect, the tether assembly includes a fixed guide disposed within the housing configured to guide the tether into the housing when the tether is retracted therein. In one embodiment, the fixed guide is not a rotatable reel. In one particular aspect, the tether is not wound about a rotatable reel during extension and/or retraction. The motor may not require a slip ring for electrically communicating with the tether, and/or the tether may not be coupled to a spring for retracting the tether within the housing. In one aspect, a tension mechanism is operably engaged with the tether and the motor, wherein the tension mechanism is configured to actuate the motor in response to tension applied to the tether to facilitate extension and retraction thereof. In another aspect, the motor is disposed within the housing.

According to further aspect, the tether assembly also includes a clutch operably engaged with the motor and configured to facilitate extension and/or retraction of the tether. The motor may be configured to rotate in a first direction to retract the tether within the housing, and the clutch may be configured to allow the tether to be extended from the housing while the motor is rotating in the first direction. The tether assembly may include a rotatable reel operably engaged with the motor, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the rotatable reel in the first direction to wind the tether about the rotatable reel. The clutch may be operably engaged with the rotatable reel and may be configured to allow the rotatable reel to rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to unwind the tether from the rotatable reel. Moreover, the clutch may be adjustable such that a tension applied to the tether required to rotate the rotatable reel in the second direction is adjustable. In one example, the clutch is a slip clutch operably engaged with the motor. In another aspect, a rotatable reel is operably engaged with the motor, and the tether is configured to be wound on, or unwound from, the rotatable reel in response to rotation of the rotatable reel by the motor. In other aspects, the tether assembly includes a triggering mechanism configured to detect motion of the tether, and the motor is configured to actuate in response to a signal provided by the triggering mechanism.

According to another embodiment, a security system for securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. In this embodiment, the security system includes a tether configured to be secured to an item of merchandise and a housing configured to receive the tether. The tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing. The security system further includes at least one motor coupled to the tether and configured to extend and/or retract the tether into the housing, as well as an alarm unit operably engaged with the tether and configured to detect that the tether has been severed and/or separated from the item of merchandise.

In another embodiment, a method for securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The method includes installing a tether assembly to a display surface or support. The tether assembly comprises at least one motor coupled to a tether for extending and/or retracting the tether relative to the display surface or support. The method also includes securing the tether to an item of merchandise.

According to yet another embodiment, a tether assembly for securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The tether assembly includes a tether configured to be secured to an item of merchandise and a housing configured to receive the tether. The tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing. The tether assembly further includes a mechanism (e.g., a motor or a spring) coupled to the tether and configured to automatically extend and/or retract the tether relative to the housing without unwinding or winding the tether about a rotatable reel.

In another embodiment, a method for securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The method includes installing a motorized recoiler assembly to a display surface or support. The motorized recoiler assembly comprises a motor and a clutch operably engaged with a tether for extending and/or retracting the tether relative to the display surface or support. The method also includes securing the tether to an item of merchandise.

In one embodiment, a motorized recoiler assembly for securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The motorized recoiler assembly comprises a tether configured to be secured to an item of merchandise and a housing configured to receive the tether. The tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing. The motorized recoiler assembly also includes a motor operably engaged with the tether and configured to extend and/or retract the tether relative to the housing, as well as a rotatable reel operably engaged with the motor. The tether is configured to be wound on, or unwound from, the reel in response to rotation of the rotatable reel by the motor. In one aspect, the motorized recoiler may include a clutch operably engaged with the motor and configured to facilitate extension and/or retraction of the tether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tether assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the tether assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the tether assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the tether assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a tether assembly coupled to a display surface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an end view of a tether assembly coupled to a display surface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a security system including the tether assembly of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is side view of a motorized recoiler assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the motorized recoiler assembly shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is another side view of the motorized recoiler assembly shown in Figure. 8.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of a security system including the motorized recoiler assembly of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the accompanying figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, embodiments of tether assemblies or recoilers for displaying and protecting an item of merchandise against theft or unauthorized removal are provided. The item of merchandise may be any item, including any number of consumer electronics products (e.g. hand-held device, cellular phone, smart phone, tablet, laptop computer, etc.). According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7, the tether assembly, indicated generally at 10, is operable for securing an item of merchandise to a display support, surface, or the like, while at the same time permitting a potential purchaser to closely examine and operate the item of merchandise in a display area (e.g. a retail store). The tether assembly 10 permits a potential purchaser to examine and test the item of merchandise, while reducing the likelihood that the item of merchandise will be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. However, the tether assembly 10 shown and described herein is suitable for engaging and securing an item of merchandise in a residential or commercial environment, as well as a retail environment, and furthermore, is not intended to be limited to use only as a security device for protecting against theft and/or unauthorized removal.

In one embodiment, the tether assembly 10 includes a tether 12 configured to be secured to an item of merchandise and a housing 14 configured to receive the tether. The tether 12 is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing 14. The tether assembly 10 also includes a mechanism 16 coupled to the tether 12 that is configured to extend and/or retract the tether relative to the housing 14. In some embodiments, the mechanism 16 is configured to automatically extend and/or retract the tether. For example, the mechanism 16 may be a spring configured to retract the tether 12 into the housing 14, while a customer is able to overcome the spring force to extend the tether out of the housing. The spring could be loaded as the tether 12 is extended out of the housing 14 such as, for example, via a torsion spring, a tension spring, or the like. Alternatively, the mechanism 16 may be a motor that is configured to automatically extend and/or retract the tether, as explained in further detail below.

The tether 12 may be used to mechanically secure the item of merchandise to a display support 22, surface, or the like. In this regard, one end of the tether 12 may be coupled to the item of merchandise, while the opposite end of the tether may be secured to the tether assembly 10. The tether 12 may be secured directly to the item of merchandise or could be secured to a sensor that is in turn secured to the item of merchandise. One end of the tether 12 may be fixed within the housing 14 such that this end does not move when the remaining portion of the tether is extended or retracted from the housing. The tether 12 is coupled in such a way for allowing the length of the tether to be adjusted relative to the housing 14. Thus, a customer is able to extend the tether 12 from the housing 14 to inspect an item of merchandise, and the tether is retracted within the housing when the item of merchandise is returned to the display stand or surface 22.

It is understood that the tether 12 may be any suitable cord, cable, or the like. In addition, the tether 12 may be a mechanical cord or may include one or more electrical conductors for transmitting electrical, security, and/or communication signals. In addition, the tether 12 may be a single strand, multi-strand, or braided. The tether 12 may be flexible to facilitate extension and retraction with the housing 14, and in some embodiments, may be formed of a cut-resistant material. In the illustrated embodiment, the tether 12 may include an outer surface that facilitates engagement with one or more rotatable elements 26, discussed in further detail below. In this regard, the tether 12 may include a groove or other engagement member 15 defined therein that is configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion or engagement member 17 defined on an outer surface of the rotatable element 26. For example, the tether 12 and rotatable element 26 may cooperate together similar to a worm gear arrangement. Other techniques could be used to facilitate engagement with the rotatable elements 26, such as specific texture, coating, and/or material of the tether 12 and/or rotatable elements.

The housing 14 is configured to receive at least a portion of the tether 12 therein. In the example shown in FIGS. 5-6, the housing 14 is also configured to at least partially receive and house the rotatable element 26 and other components of the tether assembly 10, including a mechanism 16 (e.g., a motor (if provided)). FIGS. 5 and 6 show embodiments where the housing 14 includes upper 18 and lower 20 portions, wherein the upper portion is configured to engage a display surface 22. For instance, the upper portion 18 of the housing 14 may be configured to engage a lock or fastener 24 on an upper surface of the display surface 22, while the upper 18 and lower 20 portions of the housing are disposed below the display surface and out of sight of customers. It is understood that the housing 14 may be any suitable size and configuration to accommodate the tether 12, rotatable element 26, and mechanism 16 or motor, as well as facilitate engagement with a display support or surface 22.

FIGS. 1-6 show a pair of rotatable elements 26 engaged with the tether 12. In one embodiment, the rotatable elements 26 are positioned adjacent to and in direct contact with the tether 12. The rotatable elements 26 may be fixed in position or could be biased towards the tether 12. For instance, one or more of the rotatable elements 26 may be spring biased or mechanically driven into engagement with the tether 12 to ensure sufficient contact therewith. Furthermore, although a pair of rotatable elements 26 are shown, it is understood that one or more rotatable elements may be used. Where a plurality of rotatable elements 26 are used, the rotatable elements may be equidistantly spaced circumferentially about the tether 12.

The rotatable elements 26 may be rotatable about a respective axle 28 and driven by a motor (e.g., mechanism 16). Each rotatable element 26 may be driven by a respective motor, or a single motor may be configured to drive a plurality of rotatable elements. As noted above, the rotatable element 26 may be a wheel, gear, or the like configured to rotate in response to rotation of the axle 28 by the motor. Rotation of the rotatable elements 26 in one direction results in retraction of the tether 12, while rotation of the rotatable elements in an opposite direction results in extension of the tether. However, it is understood that the motor may only be configured to rotate in a single direction, such as for retracting the tether 12 within the housing 14.

Moreover, the motor may be configured to operate continuously or at particular times, such as when a customer begins to pull the item of merchandise away from the display support or surface 22. A tension mechanism 40 could be utilized to sense tension applied to the tether 12 for such a purpose (see, e.g., FIG. 7). In one embodiment, the tension mechanism 40 is a switch, sensor, or the like that is configured to detect or respond to tension applied to the tether 12 or otherwise actuate the motor. Upon application of tension on the tether 12, the motor may be actuated to begin rotating the rotatable elements 26 to facilitate extension or retraction of the tether. For instance, when tension is applied away from the housing 14, the tension mechanism 40 may send a signal or actuate the motor that results in the motor rotating the rotatable elements 26 in one direction to extend the tether 12 out of the housing 14. Likewise, sensing a drop in tension level may result in a signal being sent by the tension mechanism 40 or actuating the motor that results in the motor rotating the rotatable elements 26 in an opposite direction to retract the tether 12 into the housing 14. Use of a tension mechanism 40 may allow the tension needed to withdraw the tether 12 from the housing 14 to be adjusted to a desired level, as well as allow the customer to extend and retract the tether in a more user-friendly manner.

The motor 16 may be in communication with a controller 42, micro-chip, or the like for controlling the operation of the motor. For instance, a circuit board having a controller 42 operably engaged therewith may be utilized for communicating with the motor 16 and other components of the tether assembly 10. Where a tension mechanism 40 is used, the controller 42 may communicate with the tension mechanism and the motor 16. Thus, upon receiving a particular signal from the tension mechanism 40, the controller 42 may communicate with the motor 16 for operation thereof. The controller 42 may be configured to detect particular states of the tether 12, such as when the tether has been fully extended or retracted, or when the tether begins initially retracting. Upon detection of a particular state, the controller 42 may begin or change operation of the motor 16 to facilitate extension or retraction, or cease operation of the motor.

It is notable that the tether assembly 10 does not require one or more components typically required by conventional recoilers. For example, the tether assembly 10 does not include a rotatable reel for unwinding and winding the tether. Thus, upon retraction of the tether 12 within the housing 14, the tether may freely conform to the inner surface of the housing. In one embodiment, the tether 12 may be configured to wrap circumferentially about the housing 14 along the inner surface thereof. In other embodiments, the tether 12 may be retracted in the housing 14 in a free-form manner, with no particular order. The tether assembly 10 could employ one or more guides 30 to facilitate placement of the tether within the housing (see, e.g., FIG. 1). For example, a fixed guide 30 may be disposed within the housing 14 for guiding the tether 12 in a particular direction. Such a guide 30 could be disposed in any desired location, such as below the rotatable elements 26, and be used to guide the tether 12 in a particular direction. Moreover, the tether 12 may be configured to retract into a particular orientation or shape within the housing 14. For instance, the material, flexibility, and/or shape of the tether 12 could be modified to facilitate retraction of the tether. In one example, the tether 12 could include a specific radius of curvature that directs the tether into the housing 14 in a particular direction.

In one embodiment, the rotatable elements 26 may be configured to move relative to the housing 14 during extension and/or retraction of the tether 12. The movement could be within the same plane or about a particular axis. For example, the rotatable elements 26 may move laterally in a horizontal plane to facilitate placement of the tether 12 in a particular manner when retracting the tether within the housing 14. Movement of the rotatable elements 26 could be a result of movement of the tether 12 as the tether is retracted within the housing 14. Or, the rotatable elements 26 could be moved to manually force the tether 12 into a particular pattern when retracting the tether within the housing 14. Movement of the rotatable elements 26 could be accomplished using various guides or tracks (e.g., tracks for allowing sliding movement) that allow the rotatable elements to move relative to the housing 14. As such, various techniques may be utilized to ensure that the tether 12 is extended or retracted within the housing 14 in a desired manner.

Unlike conventional recoilers, the tether assembly 10 may also not require a slip ring due to the fact that the tether 12 is not rotating about a reel and does not require transmission of electrical power in such a manner. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may facilitate direct power transfer through the tether 12. In addition, in one embodiment, the tether assembly 10 may not require a spring-loaded tether due to the implementation of a motor for retracting the tether 12 within the housing 14. Moreover, the motor speed is adjustable for effectuating a particular speed of extension and/or retraction that may not otherwise be possible with a spring. Thus, a customer is not required to overcome the spring force to pull the item of merchandise away from the display stand or surface 22, and the customer may readily conceive the weight of the item of merchandise.

As shown in FIG. 7, in one embodiment of a security system 50, the tether assembly 10 is operably engaged with an alarm unit 52. For example, an alarm unit 52 may be operably engaged with the tether 12 and configured to detect that the tether has been severed and/or separated from an item of merchandise 54. The alarm unit 52 may be disposed within, on, or below a display support or surface 22. As noted above, the tether 12 may include one or more conductors for conducting a sense signal. Interruption of the sense signal (e.g., cutting the tether) may be detectable by the alarm unit 52. In addition, removal of the item of merchandise 54 from a sensor 56 may result in an alarm. Thus, the security system 50 may include a security sensor 56 having a sensor element electrically coupled to monitoring electronics for monitoring the sensor element and for activating an audible and/or visible alarm in the event that the item of merchandise 54 is separated (e.g., detached) from the security sensor. The security system 50 may further include a power mechanism 58 for powering the item of merchandise. In this regard, the tether assembly 10 may be in electrical communication with a power source 58. The tether 12 may be configured to conduct power to the sensor element 56 and/or the item of merchandise 54, although inductive or contact charging could be employed in other embodiments. In addition, the security system 50 may include an arming/disarming device 60, such as a key for arming and/or disarming the alarm unit 52. In one embodiment, the key is capable of wireless communication for arming and/or disarming the alarm unit 52, such as an infrared key configured to arm/disarm the alarm with a unique identifying code.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another embodiment of a tether assembly. In this embodiment, a motorized recoiler assembly 100 is provided. Although this embodiment is identified below as a motorized recoiler assembly, it is understood that the terms “tether assembly” and “motorized recoiler assembly” may be used interchangeably with one another. In one embodiment, the motorized recoiler assembly 100 includes a tether 102 configured to be secured to an item of merchandise and a housing 104 configured to receive the tether (see, e.g., FIG. 11). The tether 102 is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing 104. The motorized recoiler assembly 100 also includes a motor 106 operably engaged with the tether 102 that is configured to extend and/or retract the tether relative to the housing 104. In some embodiments, the motor 106 is configured to automatically extend and/or retract the tether 102, as explained in further detail below.

The tether 102 may be used to mechanically secure the item of merchandise to a display support 122, surface, or the like. In this regard, one end of the tether 102 may be coupled to the item of merchandise, while the opposite end of the tether may be secured to the motorized recoiler assembly 100. One end of the tether 102 may be secured directly to the item of merchandise or could be secured to a sensor that is in turn secured to the item of merchandise. The tether 102 is coupled in such a way for allowing the length of the tether to be adjusted relative to the housing 104. Thus, a customer is able to extend the tether 102 from the housing 104 to inspect an item of merchandise, and the tether is retracted within the housing when the item of merchandise is returned to the display stand or surface 122.

As discussed above, it is understood that the tether 102 may be any suitable cord, cable, or the like. In addition, the tether 102 may be a mechanical cord or may include one or more electrical conductors for transmitting electrical, security, and/or communication signals. In addition, the tether 102 may be a single strand, multi-strand, or braided. The tether 102 may be flexible to facilitate extension and retraction with the housing 104, and in some embodiments, may be formed of a cut-resistant material. Furthermore, the tether 102 may have various cross sections, such as round or flat.

The tether 102 may be configured to be wound onto and unwound from a rotatable reel 108. One end of the tether 102 may be secured to the rotatable reel 108. The rotatable reel 108 may be operably engaged with the motor 106 such that rotation of the motor in one direction causes the tether 102 to unwind from the rotatable reel and to extend out of the housing 104, while rotation of the motor in an opposite direction results in the tether being retracted into the housing and wound about the rotatable reel. The motor 106 may be coupled to the rotatable reel 108 using any suitable means, such as a shaft or an axle 120 extending from the motor and engaged with the rotatable reel.

Any suitable motor 106 may be utilized for extension and/or retraction of the tether 102. Generally, the motor 102 comprises a shaft or an axle 120 that is configured to rotate the rotatable reel 108 at a desired revolution per minute. The motor 106 may be in electrical communication with a power source routed through the housing 104 for driving the motor. In addition, although a single motor 106 is shown, one or more motors may be used in other embodiments. For example, one motor 106 could drive the rotatable reel 108 in one direction while another motor could drive the rotatable reel in an opposite direction. In addition, the motor 106 may be disposed in any particular position or orientation within the housing 104. In this regard, the motor 106 could operate in conjunction with one or more gears to facilitate rotation of the rotatable reel 108. For example, where the motor axle 120 is disposed at an angle (e.g., 90°) with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatable reel 108, one or more gears may be utilized to transfer rotation therebetween. Or, as shown, the motor axle 120 may be co-axial to the axis of rotation of the rotatable reel 108.

The housing 104 is configured to receive at least a portion of the tether 102 therein. In the illustrated example, the housing 104 is also configured to at least partially receive and house other components of the motorized recoiler assembly 100, including the motor 106 and clutch 124. It is understood that the housing 104 may be any suitable size and configuration to accommodate the tether 102 and motor 106, as well as facilitate engagement with a display support or surface 122. For instance, the housing 104 may be configured to engage a lock or fastener on an upper surface of the display surface, while the housing is disposed below the display surface 122 and out of sight of customers.

As noted above, rotation of the rotatable reel 108 in one direction results in retraction of the tether 102, while rotation of the rotatable reel in an opposite direction results in extension of the tether. However, it is understood that the motor 106 may only be configured to rotate in a single direction, such as for retracting the tether 102 within the housing 104. In this regard, a clutch 124 could be employed to allow the tether 102 to be extended out of the housing 104 without requiring the tether to be driven by the motor 106. In one example, the clutch 124 is a slip clutch that is operably engaged with the motor 106 (e.g., via the axle 120) and configured to “slip” when a predetermined torque is applied to the clutch via tension applied to the tether 102. Thus, the tether 102 may be extended from the rotatable reel 108 even with the motor 106 rotating the axle 120 in an opposite direction. The slip clutch 124 may be configured to slip when a torque is applied that is greater than the predetermined torque that causes extension of the tether 102 out of the housing 104, while no slip may occur when the applied torque is below the predetermined torque thereby resulting in the tether being retracted into the housing via the motor 106. For example, pulling on the item of merchandise may extend the tether 102 out of the housing 104, while releasing or returning the item of merchandise towards the housing results in retraction of the tether.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment where the axle 120 of the motor 106 extends through the clutch 124 and into the rotatable reel 108. The clutch 124 may be positioned between the motor 106 and the rotatable reel 108, and the rotatable reel may be operably engaged at one end to a clutch housing 134. The clutch 124 may be secured to the axle 120 via a collar 136. The clutch 124 may be adjustable such that a tension applied to the tether 102 or pull resistance required to rotate the rotatable reel 108 in the second direction is adjustable. In this regard, an adjustment mechanism 126 may be used to adjust the amount of torque needed to engage the clutch 124, such as a rotatable member that adjusts the pressure applied to the clutch. In one embodiment, the clutch 124 includes a hub 128 engaged with one or more inner plates 130, and one or more outer plates are engaged with the clutch housing 134. A friction plate or pad is disposed between the inner and outer plates such that pressure applied to the inner plate in turn applies pressure to the friction plate. The adjustment mechanism 126 may be threadably engaged with the hub 128 to adjust the pressure applied to the inner plate and consequently the friction plate. Increasing the amount of pressure applied to the friction plate will in turn require more torque to rotate the clutch housing 134 and rotatable reel 108. In the embodiment show in FIGS. 8-10, rotation of the adjustment mechanism 126 in one direction or an opposite direction causes springs 132 to be compressed to a larger or smaller degree to adjust the pressure on the inner and outer plates and the friction plate.

Although one particular embodiment of a clutch 124 has been discussed above, it is understood that any suitable clutch could be employed to facilitate extension and/or retraction of the tether 102 via a motor 106. In this regard, the clutch 124 could be any clutch that is configured to transfer power between two rotating elements such as, for example, a slip clutch, a friction clutch, a contracting drum clutch, a fluid clutch, or the like. In some embodiments, the clutch 124 may be a Polyclutch® slip clutch or similar clutch manufactured by A&A Manufacturing (e.g., a miniature slipper clutch), or a minuture clutch manufactured by Huco Dynatork.

Moreover, the motor 106 may be configured to operate continuously or at particular times, such as when a customer begins to pull the item of merchandise away from the display support or surface 122. A tension mechanism 140 could be utilized to sense tension applied to the tether 102 for such a purpose. In one embodiment, the tension mechanism 140 is a switch, sensor, or the like that is configured to detect or respond to tension applied to the tether 102 or otherwise actuate the motor 106. Upon application of tension on the tether 102, the motor 106 may be actuated to being rotating the axle 120 to facilitate extension or retraction of the tether. For instance, when tension is applied away from the housing 104, the tension mechanism 140 may send a signal or actuate the motor 106 that results in the motor rotating the axle 120 in one direction to extend the tether 102 out of the housing 104. Likewise, sensing a drop in tension level may result in a signal being sent by the tension mechanism 140 or actuating the motor 106 that results in the motor rotating the axle 120 in an opposite direction to retract the tether 102 into the housing 104. Use of a tension mechanism 140 may allow the tension needed to withdraw the tether 102 from the housing 104 to be adjusted to a desired level, as well as allow the customer to extend and retract the tether in a more user-friendly manner.

In another embodiment, a triggering mechanism or sensor 142 could be utilized for sensing that the item of merchandise has been picked up to thereby actuate the motor 106. For instance, an optical sensor or the like could be used to detect when an item of merchandise has been picked up or returned to the display stand or surface 122. In this way, the motor 106 will only operate when a customer is interacting with the item of merchandise. According to one embodiment, the triggering mechanism 142 may be cooperating magnets disposed on a display stand or surface 122 and a sensor 156 coupled to the item of merchandise 154, respectively. Corresponding detection electronics disposed in the display stand or surface 122 may detect a disruption in a magnetic field generated by the sensor 156 being properly positioned and supported on the display stand or surface that indicates the sensor, and consequently the item of merchandise, has been removed (e.g., lifted) from the display stand or surface 122. However, it is understood that any suitable triggering mechanism, means, or sensor 142 may be utilized, including any electronic, optical, and/or mechanical mechanisms for detecting when an item of merchandise has been removed from a display stand or surface 122 for actuating or de-actuating the motor 106.

Similar to the embodiments describe above, the motor 106 may be in communication with a controller, micro-chip, or the like for controlling the operation of the motor. For instance, a circuit board having a controller operably engaged therewith may be utilized for communicating with the motor 106 and other components of the motorized recoiler assembly 100. Where a tension mechanism 140, triggering mechanism, and/or sensor 142 is used, the controller may communicate with the tension mechanism, triggering mechanism, sensor, and/or the motor. Thus, upon receiving a particular signal from the tension mechanism 140, triggering mechanism, and/or sensor 142, the controller may communicate with the motor 106 for operation thereof. The controller may be configured to detect particular states of the tether 102, such as when the tether has been fully extended or retracted, or when the tether begins initially retracting. Upon detection of a particular state, the controller may begin or change operation of the motor 106 to facilitate extension or retraction, or cease operation of the motor.

Unlike conventional recoilers, the motorized recoiler assembly 100 may not require a spring-loaded tether due to the implementation of a motor 106 for retracting the tether 102 within the housing 104. Moreover, the motor speed is adjustable for effectuating a particular speed of extension and/or retraction that may not otherwise be possible with a spring. Thus, a customer is not required to overcome the spring force to pull the item of merchandise away from the display stand or surface, and the customer may readily conceive the weight of the item of merchandise.

In one embodiment of a security system 150, the motorized recoiler assembly 100 is operably engaged with an alarm unit 152 (see, e.g., FIG. 11). For example, an alarm unit 152 may be operably engaged with the tether 102 and configured to detect that the tether has been severed and/or separated from an item of merchandise 154. The alarm unit 152 may be disposed within, on, or below a display support or surface 122. As noted above, the tether 102 may include one or more conductors for conducting a sense signal. Interruption of the sense signal (e.g., cutting the tether 102) may be detectable by the alarm unit 152. In addition, removal of the item of merchandise from a sensor 156 may result in an alarm. Thus, the security system 150 may include a security sensor 156 having a sensor element electrically coupled to monitoring electronics for monitoring the sensor element and for activating an audible and/or visible alarm in the event that the item of merchandise 154 is separated (e.g., detached) from the security sensor. The security system 150 may further include a power mechanism or source 158 for powering the item of merchandise. In this regard, the motorized recoiler assembly 100 may be in electrical communication with a power source 158. The tether 102 may be configured to conduct power to the sensor 156 and/or the item of merchandise 154, although inductive or contact charging could be employed in other embodiments. In addition, the security system 150 may include an arming/disarming device 160, such as a key for arming and/or disarming the alarm unit. In one embodiment, the key is capable of wireless communication for arming and/or disarming the alarm unit 152, such as an infrared key configured to arm/disarm the alarm with a unique identifying code.

The motorized recoiler assembly 100 could implement various other features. For instance, the motorized recoiler assembly 100 may include a slip ring for effectuating electrical communication between a power source 158 and one or more conductors within the tether 102. As such, electrical contacts on the rotatable reel 108 may cooperate with electrical contacts disposed within the housing 104 and in electrical communication with a power source and the tether 102. In another embodiment, the slip ring may be unnecessary where an expansion chamber is utilized. The expansion chamber may house a length of cable that is electrically connected to the tether 102 and is configured to expand or retract within the expansion chamber in response to rotation of the rotatable reel 108. In this example, the cable within the expansion chamber may have a flat cross-section while the tether 102 may have a round cross section. One example, of an expansion chamber is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,396, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a tether assembly and a motorized recoiler assembly for securing an item of merchandise. Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A tether assembly for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the tether assembly comprising: a tether configured to be secured to an item of merchandise; a housing configured to receive the tether, the tether configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing; and at least one motor coupled to the tether and configured to extend and/or retract the tether relative to the housing.
 2. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one rotatable element operably engaged with the motor and configured to engage the tether during extension and/or retraction of the tether.
 3. The tether assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one rotatable element comprises a wheel or a gear.
 4. The tether assembly of claim 2, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the at least one rotatable element for extending and/or retracting the tether.
 5. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fixed guide disposed within the housing configured to guide the tether into the housing when the tether is retracted therein.
 6. The tether assembly of claim 5, wherein the fixed guide is not a rotatable reel.
 7. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the tether is not wound about a rotatable reel during extension and/or retraction.
 8. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the motor does not require a slip ring for electrically communicating with the tether.
 9. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the tether is not coupled to a spring for retracting the tether within the housing.
 10. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tension mechanism operably engaged with the tether and the motor, wherein the tension mechanism is configured to actuate the motor in response to tension applied to the tether to facilitate extension and retraction thereof.
 11. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the motor is disposed within the housing.
 12. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a clutch operably engaged with the motor and configured to facilitate extension and/or retraction of the tether.
 13. The tether assembly of claim 12, wherein the motor is configured to rotate in a first direction to retract the tether within the housing, and wherein the clutch is configured to allow the tether to be extended from the housing while the motor is rotating in the first direction.
 14. The tether assembly of claim 13, further comprising a rotatable reel operably engaged with the motor, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the rotatable reel in the first direction to wind the tether about the rotatable reel.
 15. The tether assembly of claim 14, wherein the clutch is operably engaged with the rotatable reel and is configured to allow the rotatable reel to rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to unwind the tether from the rotatable reel.
 16. The tether assembly of claim 15, wherein the clutch is adjustable such that a tension applied to the tether required to rotate the rotatable reel in the second direction is adjustable.
 17. The tether assembly of claim 12, wherein the clutch is a slip clutch operably engaged with the motor.
 18. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a rotatable reel operably engaged with the motor, wherein the tether is configured to be wound on, or unwound from, the rotatable reel in response to rotation of the rotatable reel by the motor.
 19. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a triggering mechanism configured to detect motion of the tether, wherein the motor is configured to be actuated in response to a signal provided by the triggering mechanism.
 20. A security system for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the security system comprising: a tether configured to be secured to an item of merchandise; a housing configured to receive the tether, the tether configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing; at least one motor coupled to the tether and configured to extend and/or retract the tether into the housing; and an alarm unit operably engaged with the tether and configured to detect that the tether has been severed and/or separated from the item of merchandise.
 21. A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the method comprising: installing a tether assembly to a display surface or stand, the tether assembly comprising at least one motor coupled to a tether for extending and/or retracting the tether relative to the display surface or stand; and securing the tether to an item of merchandise.
 22. A tether assembly for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the tether assembly comprising: a tether configured to be secured to an item of merchandise; a housing configured to receive the tether, the tether configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing; and a mechanism coupled to the tether and configured to automatically extend and/or retract the tether relative to the housing without unwinding or winding the tether about a rotatable reel.
 23. The tether assembly of claim 22, wherein the mechanism is a motor.
 24. The tether assembly of claim 22, wherein the mechanism is a spring configured to retract the tether into the housing. 